Faith has been very important to the Gaels, and Pròstanachd (Protestantism) and Caitligeachd ((Roman) Catholicism) the two main religions in the Western Isles. Most of the Roman Catholics live in Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay. Most of the Protestants live in North Uist, Berneray, Scalpay, Harris and Lewis.
aifreann (m)
mass
seirbheis (f)
service
sagart (m)
priest
An t–Urramach (m)
The Reverend
Am Pàpa (m)
The Pope
Là na Sàbaid
The Sabbath
naomh (m)
saint
naomhachadh (m)
sanctifying
searmon (m)
sermon
an t–sàcramaid (f)
the sacrament
Leabhar Aithghearr nan Ceist
The Shorter Catechism
An Comanachadh (m)
The Communion
Clèireach (m)
Presbyterian
An t–Ath–leasachadh (m)
The Reformation
neach-togail an fhuinn
precentor
Precenting
Salmadaireachd (psalm–singing) is an important part of the Presbyterian church air a’ Ghàidhealtachd (in the Highlands) and anns na h–Eileanan an Iar (in the Western Isles). The neach-togail an fhuinn (precentor), who is most often a member of the coitheanal (congregation), sings one line of the Psalm at a time, with other members of the congregation then joining in to repeat each line.